In light of the tragedy that occurred in Manchester during an Ariana Grande concert late last month, the biggest pop stars in the world performed together to lift the spirits of those impacted by the attack. Over 50,000 people attended the benefit concert, with around 14,000 seats saved in the front section for the attendees of the previous concert turned tragic event. Everyone sang along to tunes performed by Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Niall Horan, Pharrell Williams, Black Eyed Peas, Justin Bieber, Stevie Wonder, and more.
So what was the issue with this uplifting concert? The negative mentality that attempted to diminish the heartwarming purpose of this event.
For those who tuned into the concert via Facebook live, you will have seen the comments from fellow viewers in real time. Most of the comments were supportive, but there were a few that stuck me as appalling due to the negativity that surrounded what should have been a moment of solidarity.
1. We Can't Mourn A Tragedy If We Don't Mourn All Of Them The Same Way
There is a lot of hate in the world. This isn't a competition of who is in more pain. Everyone's pain is real, and someone else's pain in another part of the world isn't going to suddenly make it easier to deal with. You wouldn't go to a funeral and interrupt the service saying, "Well, there are so many people dying in X country, so this is no big deal."
If you would do that, I highly suggest you sit down and go over your morals.
2. We Can't Donate To Those Impacted By The Manchester Tragedy
Guys, put your wallets away. The millionaires have to fund everything. You didn't hear about that new rule? You're not allowed to donate to causes you believe in. When these big shots do concerts for free, they are BEGGING you to donate. Don't fall for it!
P.S. This concert raised at least $338k.
3. This Concert Was Useless
I agree. This is not how we will find the people who did this. However, this did not do "NOTHING." For those who attended the concert the night of the attack, what should have been joyful memories were ruined by the terror that ensued. This benefit concert helped to ease that pain and show that we stand together as allies. This concert was not about trying to find the people who were involved in the attack. This concert was about solidarity.
4. The Bombing Was A Hoax Anyway
A benefit concert for the victims of a terrorist attack is not the place to have this type of conversation. You are essentially speculating on whether or not people actually took their last breath at a concert. Respect those who've passed.
5. We Are Enabling The Terrorists
Again, this concert was not an attempt to locate the network that initiated this terror attack. This was a moment of support for the victims of the attack. If we only acknowledge the bad in life and make no attempt to ease the pain, we would live very agonizing, distressing lives.
I get it. Everyone is distressed. We want to find the people who did this and stop them from doing it again in the future. Bringing negativity in things that should be positive is not the way to go about it. We don't lose anything by being positive and standing together.